Manchester EHCP Process & Funding - Council Guide
Manchester, England families seeking an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) should understand the local authority process, funding responsibilities and routes for appeal. This guide summarises the steps Manchester City Council follows for assessments and plans, the legal framework for what an EHCP can contain, and how funding and disputes are handled at local and tribunal levels. It draws on Manchester City Council material and national guidance so parents, carers and professionals know where to apply, which office to contact, and what to expect next. Read the action steps and links to official forms and appeal routes below.
Overview of the EHCP process
Manchester City Council is the responsible local authority for carrying out EHC needs assessments and issuing EHCPs for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the city. For procedural details and timescales see the council guidance and the national guidance referenced below. Manchester City Council EHC guidance[1]
- Initial request or referral by parent, school or health professional.
- Local authority decides whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment.
- If assessment proceeds, evidence is gathered from education, health and care services.
- The local authority drafts and issues the EHCP; placements and funding arrangements are set out in the plan.
What an EHCP can cover
An EHCP can specify educational provision, health services, and social care support required to meet the child or young person’s needs. The national statutory guidance explains the legal tests, content and the roles of education, health and care bodies in producing plans. Department for Education EHCP guide[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for EHCP duties is primarily non-monetary: parents may seek resolution through mediation, the SEND Tribunal (First-tier Tribunal special educational needs and disability), judicial review for procedural failures, and complaints to the local authority. Monetary fines are not a routine enforcement tool for EHCP duties and are not specified on the cited pages. The local authority (Manchester City Council) is the enforcing body for assessment and plan duties; health and social care bodies are required to cooperate in documented ways. For tribunal and appeal routes see the official tribunal information linked below.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: tribunal orders, mandatory plan amendments, judicial review and court directions.
- Enforcer: Manchester City Council SEND services; complaints and duty-to-cooperate enquiries go to the council SEND team.
- Appeals and time limits: specific time limits and procedures are set out on the tribunal guidance; consultees should check the tribunal page for exact deadlines and mediation requirements.
- Defences and discretion: the local authority may consider reasonable excuses and has statutory duties to consult named bodies; authorized variances are managed through the plan process.
Applications & Forms
Manchester City Council publishes guidance and the application routes for requesting an EHC needs assessment on its SEND pages; the council’s page lists how to refer, what evidence is required and where to send information. Specific form names, numbers, fee schedules or submission addresses are shown on the council pages linked in this article. See Manchester City Council EHC guidance[1]
Action steps
- Request assessment: contact your child’s school or the Manchester SEND team to submit a request and supporting evidence.
- Gather evidence: obtain recent assessments, health reports and school reports to include with the referral.
- If refused or you disagree: seek mediation and consider an appeal to the SEND Tribunal within the published time limit.
- Contact advice services: use Manchester’s local offer and independent advice services for help with applications and appeals.
FAQ
- How long does an EHC needs assessment take?
- The statutory timeframe is set by national guidance; Manchester’s guidance explains local steps and target timescales. Check the council and DfE guidance for current timelines.
- Can health and social care be named in the EHCP?
- Yes, an EHCP can include health and social care provision where it is identified as necessary to meet the child’s needs; health bodies are required to cooperate in preparing the plan.
- What if the council refuses an assessment or plan?
- You can request a statutory review, pursue mediation and appeal to the SEND Tribunal; see the tribunal information for deadlines and procedures.
How-To
- Contact your child’s school or the Manchester SEND team to discuss concerns and request an EHC needs assessment.
- Collect supporting reports from education, health and relevant professionals and submit them with the request.
- If the council agrees, participate in the assessment and provide further information when requested.
- When a draft EHCP is issued, review it, request amendments if needed and follow the council’s process to agree placements and funding.
- If you disagree with the decision, use mediation and the SEND Tribunal appeal routes as set out in official guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City Council is the responsible authority for EHC assessments and plans.
- Gather clear, recent evidence from education and health to support any assessment request.
- Disputes are resolved via mediation and the SEND Tribunal rather than fixed monetary fines.